If you love to study the lives of the pillars of faith that came thousands of years before us, I encourage you to listen to the two volumes of sermons on the life of Joseph by Alistar Begg. They dissect the last 13 chapters of the book of Genesis, taking us through Joseph’s life from age 17 to 110. They are rich, deep, and full of life lessons immediately practical for us today.
Here is one of my favorite reminders from this sermon series…
“Nothing comes to my life except that which passes through His hand.”
Alistar Begg, speaking of Joseph’s reaction to the circumstances of his life
Throughout these chapters, we’re constantly reminded of Joseph’s full trust in God and His orchestration. Even with all that happened to Joseph during his lifetime, we don’t read about bitter revenge or pity parties or bellyaching. Instead, he said this to his betraying brothers…
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
Genesis 50:20
Shepherd leaders, if we believe that God is indeed sovereign, that He is in fact in control, then the sheep in our lives, those who shepherd us… everyone and everything we encounter… all has been orchestrated by the God of the universe or permitted by Him for a specific and divine purpose.
Let’s live like we remember that…